Wedding, debs and communion dresses all in a days' work for Laois business owner

Sequins, satin, embroidery or lace, it’s all to choose from at Laois woman Breda Grumley Lalor’s home studio, her converted garage in Rosenallis near the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Breda is the experienced seamstress and proprietor of House of Gowns, which she describes as “a one stop shop” for any girl or woman looking for that special dress.

She is the only dedicated supplier in Laois, selling on average 300 personally altered gowns a year, with hopes to double that in 2025.

The gifted businesswoman told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that she has worked in clothing retail since she was 16 and a student at St Mary's College in Mountmellick.

She also did stints of work in the media, in local radio and even in The Leinster Express itself. 

Breda launched her own shop called The Bridal Hall in Portlaoise in 1999, later with much success expanding to a premises in Ballybrittas. 

Some of the gowns stocked and altered by the hand of Breda Grumley Lalor at House of Gowns.

Now with the addition of Debs, TY and communion dresses, and the retirement of staff, Breda's business has evolved again, with a loyal clientele following her in her journey.

She chatted about the business of dresses.

“I opened House of Gowns at a converted garage in my home in Rosenallis a year ago. I do all my own alterations, it’s just me. No shop is ever full seven days a week but I can pick when I work.

“I take three days a week to sew. High season starts in January and I sew seven days a week. I go to Barcelona every year to buy the latest gowns and accessories and pick up a new label. It’s one not to miss. At the end of April I go to buy Debs dresses at a Birmingham show where everybody gets dresses now. 

“TY balls start in the new year, Mountmellick’s is in January. They are a big thing all over Ireland, Mayo is one of my biggest areas. 

“I take it very seriously, I suppose because I am doing all the alterations myself. I do at least three fittings. Brides who came for their dresses are bringing back their daughters for their TY and debs gowns. I’m very lucky, I get a lot of local clients.

Breda's business story is featured in the current issue and on the cover of Laois Live Magazine, on sale in Laois shops.

“This year for the first time I have first communion dresses. It’ already taking off. I have over 80 or 90 dressses to choose from, and all the accessories too,” Breda said.

“What’s kept me going is that I do alterations. I pin the dresses, there’s no point handing it on.

"I’m self taught by Kathleen O’Loughlin, my home economics teacher in secondary school in Mountmellick. I left in my last year and started in Brackens doing alterations, and I’ve never looked back. I love it,” she said.

Laois Live magazine, filled with stories from the county, is on sale next to the Leinster Express in Laois newsagents and supermarkets.